Etihad and Ethiopian engage in joint venture

(Posted 20th March 2025)

• • Agreement signed in Ethiopia’s capital will unlock stunning networks of both airlines giving  passengers seamless connections across Africa, the Middle East and Asia

  • Etihad Airways to start nonstop flights from Abu Dhabi to Addis Ababa on 1 October, and Ethiopian  Airlines to start flights to Abu Dhabi from 15 July

  • Addis Ababa marks Etihad’s fifteenth new destination for 2025, whereas Abu Dhabi becomes Ethiopian  Airlines’ 145th global destination

  The national airlines of the United Arab Emirates and Ethiopia have joined forces in a landmarkJoint Venture that will transform connectivity between Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Signed today at Ethiopian Airlines’ headquarters in Addis Ababa, this strategic partnership also includes a codeshare arrangement, unlocking greater travel opportunitiesfor passengers across both networks.

  As part of this collaboration, the airlines are launching new flights between Abu Dhabi and Addis Ababa, strengthening ties between the two regions. Ethiopian Airlines will commence services from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD) to Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) on 15 July, while Etihad Airways will introduce daily flights to Addis Ababa starting 1 October.

  The flight schedule is as follows:

  ET 614 will depart from Addis Ababa (ADD) at 09:50 p.m. and arrives at Abu Dhabi (AUH) at

  03:10 a.m.

  ET 615 will depart from Abu Dhabi (AUH) at 04:25 a.m. and arrives at Addis Ababa (ADD) at

  07:45 a.m.

  Subject to regulatory approval, the Etihad – Ethiopian Joint venture will enable both airlines to collaborate in developing and expanding routes between the UAE and Ethiopia, as well as enhancing connectivity across their respective networks.

  This partnership is designed to deliver greater value to passengers by strengthening links between Africa, the Middle East, and Asia,  resulting in a more seamless and comprehensive combined network.

   

  Mr. Mesfin Tasew, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, remarked: ‘We are delighted to enter into this  strategic Joint venture with Etihad Airways. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in our efforts to enhance connectivity between Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. By leveraging our combined networks, we are committed to providing our passengers with greater travel convenience and exceptional service. This partnership underscores our dedication to fostering strong bilateral relations and promoting economic growth between Ethiopia and the UAE. As part of our strategy to strengthen Ethiopian Airlines’ global presence, the launch of our new flight to Abu Dhabi marks our third destination in the UAE, following Dubai and Sharjah (Cargo). With over 120 weekly passenger and cargo services to the Middle East and Gulf states, we are committed to providing exceptional connectivity and service to both our customers.”

  Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said: “This Joint venture is great  news for customers of both airlines. The start of flights between the two great cities of Addis Ababa and Abu Dhabi connects our expanding networks, giving our customers seamless access to a growing list of destinations via our extensive hubs. It also paves the way for deeper discussions on working together acros our respective regions on other cooperation, including frequent flyer programs, training and cargo. We are excited to extend a warm welcome to Ethiopian travellers visiting Abu Dhabi, where they can  experience our renowned hospitality and immerse themselves in the rich culture of our city. From

  breath-taking beaches and world-class cultural landmarks to thrilling theme parks and tranquil desert landscapes, Abu Dhabi offers a diverse array of attractions for all to enjoy.”

  The JV underscores a shared commitment to offering expanded travel options and a smoother journey for passengers traveling between major African destinations on Ethiopian’s network— such as Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Kampala, Uganda; Kinshasa, DR Congo and Lusaka, Zambia— and key cities in the UAE and Asia, including Etihad destinations in India, Japan and Southeast Asia, such as Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Osaka, Japan; Phuket, Thailand, and upcoming new routes including Phnom Penh, Cambodia and Hanoi, Vietnam.

  Ethiopian Airlines will operate the new route using its modern fleet, including the Boeing 777 and Airbus A350-1000, providing passengers with a comfortable travel experience. Etihad Airways will operate its daily flights to Addis Ababa with one of its state–of-the-art A320 family aircraft.